How to Overcome Fear of Failure

Have you ever felt so afraid of failing that you decided not to try at all?

Left unchecked, fear of failure can cause you to freeze and become immobilized. Fortunately, you can overcome your fears by following these five steps:

1. Set Small Goals

Visualizing the future when you fear failure can be overwhelming, but setting small and attainable goals can motivate us to move forward. Recognize these "early wins" and celebrate them!

2. Analyze All Potential Outcomes

Many people experience fear of failure because they're scared of the unknown. Assess all the potential outcomes of your decision – good and bad. Acknowledging the possible impacts can help you feel more in control and prepared.

3. Consider the Worst-Case Scenario

Ask yourself, "What's the worst that could happen, realistically?" Sometimes, the worst possible outcome may not be that bad after all.

4. Have a Contingency Plan

We all fail from time to time, but that shouldn't stop you from trying again! Having a backup plan can help you to recover quickly… And it will help you feel less anxious about moving forward.

5. Think Positively!

Reframe your thinking by using positive affirmations like… "I can do this!" and, "I am the right person for the job." This will help you to rationalize your thoughts and give you a positive mindset.

Finally, remember that failure is a normal part of life, but that doesn't mean you won't succeed. By moving forward slowly, but steadily, you'll begin to overcome your fear of failure.

For more ways to overcome fear of failure, see the article that accompanies this video.